30 Gunmen Storm Palace At Mid-Night, Kidnap Monarch

The setting was like that of a war film on Tuesday as the Paramount Ruler of Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Ubong Assam, was abducted by no fewer than 30 gunmen, who stormed his palace around 2am and operated without challenge.

The kidnap, it was learnt, might be in connection with a N2.6 billion compensation paid by ExxonMobil to the four host local government communities. The money has been generating tension in the area.

The kidnappers took the royal father to Unyeghe village, Mbo Local Government Area in a car, transferred him to a waiting speedboat and left for the high seas.

Although the security personnel attached to the royal father attempted to rescue him, the kidnappers’ superior fire power won the day.

According to a source, the kidnappers are demanding for N150million ransom before the Monarch would be release, as their share of the compensation money, which they claimed they joined in agitating for.

A family source said: “Some of the gun shots sounded like bomb blasts. The operation was like an invasion.”

The Nigeria Police in Akwa Ibom state say they are on top of the situation but the whereabouts of the Monarch remains unknown as at the time of reporting.